A skills training facility for medical students and clinicians in Dunedin has had a substantial upgrade.
The Otago Clinical Skills Laboratory had an official opening on Tuesday night after a $600,000 overhaul to ensure it meets modern medical requirements.
The laboratory is jointly run by Otago University's Dunedin School of Medicine and the Southern District Health Board. The university paid for the lion's share of the upgrade.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences, Professor Don Robertson, says it's money well spent.
Role play scenarios will be a key part of the training there. Actors will pose as patients presenting certain symptoms and students will interview, examine and diagnose their simulated illness.
Students will also deal with members of the community who have pre-existing medical conditions.
Southern DHB deputy chief nursing and midwifery officer Tina Gilbertson says clinicians will use the facility to refine their skills and learn new techniques and technologies.
